Hadith #10317

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of giving and bestowing favors upon others. It states,

Whoever extends his hand to bestow favours [to others] has protected his [own] blessing from cessation.

This Hadith highlights the significance of generosity and the preservation of blessings through acts of charity and kindness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (basata) "بَسَطَ" means to extend or stretch out, referring to the act of offering or giving. (yadahu) "يَدَهُ" translates to his hand, symbolizing the physical act of giving. (al-in'am) "الإنْعامِ" refers to favors or blessings bestowed upon others. Lastly, (hassana) "حَصَّنَ" means to protect or safeguard.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving and bestowing favors upon others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the concept of giving and its abundant rewards from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 274, Allah states,

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving in both public and private, highlighting that true generosity is not limited to a specific time or place.

Reflecting upon the Hadith and the Quranic verses, we can understand that extending our hand to bestow favors upon others is not only an act of kindness but also a means of safeguarding our own blessings. When we give selflessly, we create a cycle of blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) multiplies and returns to us manifold.

By giving to others, we protect ourselves from the cessation of blessings. This means that when we are generous and share our blessings, we ensure that they continue to flow and multiply. Just as a river that keeps flowing remains fresh and abundant, our blessings too remain intact when we extend our hand to help others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of generosity and the preservation of blessings. His teachings and actions serve as a shining example for Muslims, inspiring us to follow in his footsteps.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of giving and bestowing favors upon others. By extending our hand to help and support those in need, we not only display kindness and compassion but also protect our own blessings from cessation. Let us strive to be generous and selfless, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to give and preserve our blessings.